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The pore structure in processed Victorian Brown coal
P J McMahon1, I K Snook, W Treimer
1School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, 3010, Australia. mcmahon@optics.ph.unimelb.edu.au
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|November 18, 2005
Summary
Investigating Victorian Brown coal upgrades reveals pore structure changes. Ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS) confirms prior findings and explores mesoporosity, suggesting extreme thermal conditions during upgrading.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Geochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Victorian Brown coal is a significant energy resource.
- Coal upgrading processes aim to enhance its properties.
- Understanding pore structure evolution is crucial for optimizing upgrading.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of heated gases under pressure on Victorian Brown coal's pore structure.
- To compare ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS) with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for pore structure analysis.
- To explore the potential of USANS for mesoporosity investigation.
Main Methods:
- Ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS) measurements.
- Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis.
- Electron microscopy (EM) and electron diffraction (ED).
Main Results:
- USANS results align with previous SAXS findings on pore structure changes.
- USANS successfully characterized the mesoporosity of the upgraded coal.
- Electron microscopy confirmed the small-angle scattering observations.
- Electron diffraction provided evidence of extreme thermal conditions during upgrading.
Conclusions:
- USANS is a valuable technique for studying coal pore structure, including mesoporosity.
- The upgrading of Victorian Brown coal under specific conditions induces significant pore structure modifications.
- The thermal conditions during coal upgrading may be more severe than anticipated, impacting material properties.